Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste is afraid to answer my question. If they are trying to rename Páirc Uí Chaoimh, they should call it Páirc Micheál Martin because he is so good at kicking the ball around and off the pitch, but will not play the ball on the pitch and deal with the questions he is asked.

The Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, made an assessment that the Irish Constitution says that a woman's place is in the home. Supreme Court judge Marie Baker, chair of the Electoral Commission, has clarified that the Constitution makes no such statement whatsoever. It is flabbergasting that a Supreme Court judge, who has been appointed by the Government to regulate misinformation during a referendum campaign, would say that a Minister's interpretation of the Constitution in the context of the referendum is simply wrong.

When she was questioned on this matter, the Minister, Deputy Martin, contradicted the eminent judge and insisted that her interpretation is quite clear. Can the Tánaiste clarify if it is the Minister's interpretation that is correct, or is it the position of the chair of the Electoral Commission that is correct? Can he clarify the Government's position? We cannot have an Electoral Commission saying that a Minister's interpretation is incorrect and still have confidence in both the Minister and the Supreme Court judge and chair of the commission. We cannot set up an Electoral Commission to regulate misinformation in regard to a referendum and then turn a blind eye to the disinformation from the Government. What action will be taken against the Minister or any other Minister who is peddling misinformation? I want a direct answer to the question I am raising, not a trip around the park.

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